The 2023 Snowball Derby ended in dramatic fashion when Ty Majeski was black flagged for allegedly jumping restarts, stripping him of what could have been his record-tying third win at Pensacola. The Ty Majeski Snowball Derby controversy has sparked heated debate among drivers, fans, and officials after Stephen Nasse was declared the winner of the event.
Majeski Dominates, Then Faces Controversial Penalty
Throughout the Snowball Derby at Pensacola, Ty Majeski set the pace by leading the field and appearing poised for victory. As a competitor in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Majeski’s performance stood out, with his car dominating the race from start to nearly finish. However, in the final laps, race control accused him of jumping the restart twice—a violation that led to a black flag and ultimately removed him from the official scoring, despite his visible presence on the track until the checkered flag.
Majeski, undeterred by the penalty, remained on track and completed the event, even though officials did not count his laps during the closing stages. Before the incident, Majeski was in contention not just for the race win, but for a place in Snowball Derby history with a potential third victory.
Reflecting on what happened, Majeski expressed uncertainty and frustration:
“I don’t know, I felt like I was being pretty consistent. The first one, I certainly jumped. We got chatter that the 51 was going to try and jump,”
Majeski explained on FloRacing.
“I was trying to anticipate that, and we got a mulligan. The rule is to pick up the pace to the line. I thought I did that, and obviously, then fired.”
– Ty Majeski, Driver
The ruling and rulebook language left him wanting more clarity after the heartbreaking outcome:
“The way the rule is written is not black and white. So, it leaves a lot of questions and kind of balls and strike calls. Yeah, I don’t know. I don’t have much to say. Fast Menards Ford Fusion with iRacing on the hood. Obviously, the dominant racecar. So, yeah, I’d like to talk to somebody. So, whoever race control is, I’d like to at least have a conversation about it.”
– Ty Majeski, Driver
The driver’s determination was clear, as he stood his ground by staying on the track despite the ruling, signaling that he believed the penalty to be unfair.
Perspective from the Paddock and Reactions
The debate did not end with the checkered flag. Majeski further stated his belief in the outcome:
“I don’t know. I feel like we won this race,”
Majeski said,
“Had the best car all day and yeah, going to try and argue it, of course.”
– Ty Majeski, Driver
With race officials holding firm on their decision, Majeski’s contention sets up a contentious off-track discussion about restart rules and the way penalties are enforced in major short-track events.
Stephen Nasse Claims the Win and Redeems Past Heartbreak
The disqualification of Majeski meant that Stephen Nasse, a seasoned short-track racer, was elevated to Snowball Derby winner. Taking advantage of the situation, Nasse’s perseverance paid off, especially after suffering the loss of a prior Derby win due to a failed technical inspection in 2019. Runner-up honors went to Dawson Sutton, who drove a strong race but ultimately crossed the line behind Nasse.
Nasse’s win in Pensacola stands as his first Super Late Model victory of the year, closing a chapter of challenges and disappointments with a momentous triumph in December. The race, already challenging for competitors due to weather delays, will be remembered not only for the on-track heroics but also for the heated controversy surrounding the enforcement of rules and race control’s decisions.
Lasting Impact and What Happens Next
The Ty Majeski Snowball Derby controversy is likely to fuel ongoing debates within the short-track racing community regarding restart procedures and the clarity of rulebooks. Majeski’s frustration, paired with his refusal to concede, promises further conversations between him, track officials, and possibly series administrators. Meanwhile, Stephen Nasse’s redemption story provides a powerful counter-narrative of resilience after years of near misses.
For fans and competitors alike, this edition of the Snowball Derby will linger in memory for its mix of outstanding racing, dramatic officiating, and implications for future event regulations at Pensacola and beyond.
🏆 @StephenNasse wins the 58th running of the Snowball Derby!#SnowballDerby @5FlagsSpeedway pic.twitter.com/oDOx11KUbx
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 8, 2025
